Wales stun tournament favourites

The Welsh team celebrate a famous victory against New Zealand to reach the RWC 7s semi-finals for the first time.

Andrew Orchard/www.aosportsphoto.com

Wales have stunned favourites New Zealand to reach the semi-finals of the RWC Sevens tournament at Dubai with a gutsy 15-14 victory.

Paul John's Welsh team were deemed firm underdogs going into the match but Wales weren't without confidence as they beat the Kiwis on the world circuit in Wellington a few weeks ago.

"The win in Wellington gave the boys a great belief in themselves. But that's still a fantastic result. To beat New Zealand twice in three weeks is a huge boost for Welsh sevens," said a delighted John.

"All 10 players that we used were outstanding," concluded John.

The omens weren't good in the opening minute when Wales turned over possession for the lanky Zac Lawrence to run round under the posts for a converted try but the Scarlets scrum-half immediately hit back with an individual piece of magic.
He plucked the ball from a ruck and ran 60m down the touchline before standing up Nigel Hunt with a swivel of the hips to race home.

New Zealand lost their ruthlessness as Wales took the game to them and the men I red hit the front for the first time in the match as the halftime hooter sounded. Williams took a quick tap and made room for Richie Pugh who finished wide out to give Wales a 10-7 lead.

The Kiwis hit back when Lote Raikabula sped to the line from 50m to regain the lead at 14-10 but Wales continued to pressure New Zealand into uncharacteristic mistakes. The top seeds looked to have wrapped it up in the dying stages but Viliame Waqaseduadua inexplicably dropped the ball after gathering and having the try-line at his mercy.

With just 60secs to go replacement Tom Isaacs stunned New Zealand when he hacked through a pass from Pugh to send the favourites crashing out.

Wales now face the big hitting Samoans in the semi-finals as they attempt to reach the final later this afternoon.

WRU International Skills Coach Jason Strange is a busy man, combining the new role with that of Wales Under 20 attack coach, Ebbw Vale head coach and continuing to teach at Ebbw Fawr Learning Community.

Warren Gatland and Sam Warburton look ahead to this week's crunch RBS 6 Nations tie against France, where the Wales skipper in particular is keen to make his mark, as Paris has proved a bleak place for him in the past.

Following their historic win over England, Wales Under 20 suffered a narrow, 36-34 loss to their Scottish counterparts last weekend, despite outscoring them by five tries to three. Watch the match highlights and reaction.

WRU TV go behind the scenes with the Wales squad as they put the final touches in place ahead of the clash against Scotland at Murrayfield. Follow the squad on their captain's run, the kickers visit to Murrayfield and Neil Jenkins' press conference